Detroit is going through a historical shift both in terms of governance and quality of life, regardless of how that movement is viewed by the many different voices within and outside of the city.

The Detroit that once was and is glorified by those who saw the city evolve in many phases before and after the 1967 rebellion, is not the Detroit that is evolving before our eyes now because the present political and economic dispensation offers a different climate that is now forcing city hall to change the way it does business.

Things are changing, but what hasn’t changed is the spirit of Detroit and the resilience that has kept many Detroiters loyal to their city, steadfastly believing that it can return either to the golden age or become a more advanced urban center where city services are delivered in a timely fashion with the requisite leadership. What has changed recently, as a pattern in the course of the big debate that is being held about an emergency manager and where Detroit is headed in the future, is the silence of the men and women we often refer to as the civic leaders of this city. Individuals who brand themselves as gatekeepers and who are often quick to put anyone in check who takes Detroit for granted seem to be missing in action.

I haven’t heard any word from these individuals sometimes defined as the conscience of the community about what they think should be done in the context of the financial crisis that has this city’s future held hostage as well as the services that should be delivered to residents and businesses invested in the city.

The deafening silence is even more notable in the clergy, which traditionally has been outspoken on the issues that impact this community.

Recently, at the Philadelphia Airport while heading to Washington, DC, I met one of our local area ministers who is deeply involved in the political process. He expressd his view about the silence of our ministers and he basically agreed that the silence is notable given the past advocacy of religious leaders who have demanded political accountability in the city.

But now that the city is going through a new phase of governance structure and a financial malaise, all of which will affect the people of Detroit, it makes you wonder why those who are supposed to be speaking out are keeping quiet.

Why is this a concern? Because in the past we’ve seen what happens when civic leaders galvanize around an issue and stake a position on the most important matters of great significance to the city.

I don’t want to buy into the idea that some have already aligned themselves with certain forces of power and thus cannot speak their conscience about what they see inherently troubling about Detroit’s political leadership. I don’t want to buy into the idea that those who have for so long been at the forefront of issues that this city has been grappling with all of a sudden have abdicated the role that has made them voices in the city.

Perhaps one of the few ministers who has tried to stir a healthy debate and take a position on the financial crisis facing Detroit has been the Rev. Bertram Marks of First Community Baptist Church. The minister and trained lawyer has not only been speaking out on how he strongly feels about an emergency manager for Detroit and the Belle Isle proposal question, among other issues, but has also been writing guest editorials in newspapers to circulate his thoughts.

Marks understands that his obligation is not only to the duties confined within the four walls of First Community Baptist, but also to the larger community and for posterity.

We must have a healthy debate about where Detroit needs to be at this point and examine the current options on the table. The lack thereof is part of the reason the city is in this crisis. Leadership is not and should not be defined by titles, but by the positions that are taken in the public space and how those positions impact the quality of life here.
In the last couple of weeks I have been invited to many meetings and the one thing that keeps coming up is, where is Detroit’s civic leadership?

If you support an emergency manager for Detroit, say it loud and clear. If you don’t support an emergency manager coming to the city, your voice should also be heard. But to remain mute on the question and avoid the very issue that could be a seismic shift for the city is troubling. Silence can be betrayal.

Certainly, Detroit is not monolithic in thought as Rev. Marks has shown in some of his guest editorials. But the essence of different voices speaking to this issue shows an active leadership in play in the city, and sends a message that there is leadership that is both actively and publicly concerned about the future of the city and is doing something about it.

Beyond the Nicodemus-type meetings that are being held to discuss the next chapter of leadership in Detroit lies a deeper responsibility to let the public know about the positions of our many civic leaders. Beyond the secret meetings is an obligation to inform the public about the stance that Detroit’s civic leadership is taking and it shouldn’t just come from one individual.

Detroit has a treasured history, and there are many voices from many different backgrounds and with many experiences that should be contributing to the dialogue. This has never more important than now. So we need to hear from the mosaic of leadership. If not now, when?

The late Whitney Young, the respected leader of the National Urban League, was one of the voices that had a strong influence on President Lyndon Johnson and his administration’s ideas about the Great Society. Young pushed the administration through one-on-one discussions with the president and his insightful writings, including his book “To Be Equal,” to address the growing urban crisis facing Black America at that time. In fact, Johnson’s famous Howard University commencement speech was largely influenced by the writings of Young who spoke so eloquently about the urban crisis.

In our current situation we need more voices like Young, who are genuinely concerned and influencing privately and publicly the right policies to move Detroit forward, not just contentedly sitting around the negotiating table in the corridors of power without offering any constructive dialogue or lasting solution to the compounding financial crisis the city is facing, among other issues.

History will judge this era and those in leadership regarding what they have done to move Detroit to a place where everyone can be proud, and where civic leaders are committed to doing what is expedient, not for themselves but for the people and the communities. And that they can meaningfully enhance quality of life by proposing concrete measures, not just shotgun/press release approaches, in a city where many of our children are dying before their time.

Bankole Thompson is editor of the Michigan Chronicle and the author of the forthcoming book “Rising From the Ashes: Engaging Detroit’s Future With Courage.” His book “Obama and Black Loyalty,” published in 2010, follows his recent book, “Obama and Christian Loyalty” with an epilogue by Bob Weiner, former White House spokesman. Thompson is a political news analyst at WDET-101.9FM (NPR affiliate) and a member of the weekly “Obama Watch” Sunday evening roundtable on WLIB-1190AM New York and simulcast in New Jersey and Connecticut. E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit his personal page at www.bankolethompson.com.

People complain about the need for more affordable parking in downtown Detroit all the time, but now a neighboring suburban community is also facing scrutiny due to changes in its parking system.

The city of Ferndale, Mich. recently transitioned from parking meters to a new system of parking kiosks and raised rates up to $1 an hour during certain times and at some locations. Hours for parking enforcement have also been extended to 11 p.m. Ferndale city manager April Lynch, told the Ferndale Patch the new rates would encourage quicker turnaround for on-street parking spaces and help fund additional updates to the parking system.

Read at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/27/ferndale-parking-changes-michigan-free_n_2774319.html?utm_hp_ref=detroit

As black history month comes to a close, 2013's collective homage can be sealed with a shining moment for a pioneer in civil rights.

On Wednesday, feb. 27, the statue of civil rights icon Rosa Parks was unveiled at the U.S. Capitol. President Barack Obama spoke to the crowd and acknowledged the tremendous role the key figure played during the civil rights struggle. The audience included many of Parks' surviving relatives, most of whom currently live in Detroit.

One moment that stole the show was an adorable photo snapped of President Obama with one of the legendary leader's youngest family members. It shows 3-year-old Terrell Anderson Jr. in the arms of our nation's leader as he curiously touches his hair.

The young child may not yet comprehend who he got a chance to spend quality time with on that historic day, the moment he shared with the president is part of a larger one that expands our nation's history. It continues to bring to life the vision freedom fighters like Rosa Parks had nearly half a century ago.

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A member of gospel music's most recognized families is headed to jail.

On Wednesday, Feb. 28 Michael Winans' Jr. was sentenced to nearly 14 years in prison for an $8 million financial scam that left his victims penniless and in despair.

U.S. District Judge Sean Cox showed no mercy, asserting that as an long-time member of the Church, Winans knew right from wrong.

Making matters worse, Winans reportedly used the pulpit and his family's name to reel supporters in. He falsely promised them a lucrative payoff for investing in Saudi oil bonds. One victim took the stand to tell his story of losing nearly $100 thousand, stripping him of his life savings, his marriage and even relationships with family members.

Winans apologized in court, acknowledging the wrongfulness of his actions. While he alleged that he had no "malicious intent", he also admitted to continuing to collect money when he learned the bond was bogus.

Between 2007 and 2008, Winans attracted nearly 1,000 investors, many of them through word of mouth. In classic 'ponzi scheme' fashion, he relied on relationships with friends to lure in financial backers. Winans promised quick returns, taking people's money and using it for personal expenses and to pay off others who had invested earlier. When failure became apparent, Winan's system helped relieve him of the blame. Many who were duped began to lash out against those who recruited them.

Over 50 letters from victims were sent to Judge Cox, chronicling Winans' scheme and its terrible effects on their lives.

Winans, 30, is a third-generation member of the famous family. His father, Michael Winans Sr. is a member of the Winans brothers' quartet. Winans Jr. is a performer in his own right. He was a member of Phase II, a group composed of him and his cousins. In 2011, he released an album called ' My own genre'.

Unfortunately, the prospect of a successful music career appears far off the distance as Winans anticipates spending much of the rest of his life behind bars.

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Is Detroit Tigers' player Miguel Cabrera looking to start a singing career?

Not exactly. But, a new video has gone viral that features Cabrera parodying one of pop superstar Rihanna's biggest songs.

"Get Back to the Diamond" is a collection of funny shots that show the player lip-syncing with highlights of him playing in the background. Cabrera goes on a whimsical adventure that is sure to make you laugh as he catches a wave and snorkels. Teammate Adam Jones also makes an appearance.

Giving nods to other MLB teams like the Mets and Rays, Cabrera ends the video with a smile and simple statement.

"It’s time to go to work."

Check out the video and let us know whether or not you think the sports star should keep his day job.

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In tragedy your true friends step forward.

As it turns out, Earlie Johnson has a lot of pals in the porn industry.

Last week, the 43-year-old welder in Muskegon, Mich., had his $7,500 porn collection stolen from his home, along with three TVs.

The loss of the porn collection was especially devastating. It contained 40 years worth of screen sex, focusing on African-American performers, including old school actresses like Vanessa Del Rio and Jeannie Pepper, as well as modern day performers like Cherokee and Pinky (his personal favorite).

Read more at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/26/earlie-johnsons-stolen-porn_n_2766196.html?utm_hp_ref=detroit&ir=Detroit

While the new Cheesecake Factory coming to a metro Detroit mall has us, like anyone with a sweet tooth and a shopping habit, delighted, we' re not quite as enthusiastic as some.

The chain restaurant will have a homecoming of sorts when it opens its first Michigan location at Novi's Twelve Oaks Mall this year. Founder and CEO David Overton grew up in Detroit, according to a release.

Read more at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/23/detroit-cheesecake-factory-best-bakery_n_2744132.html?utm_hp_ref=detroit

The FBI has issued a warning for Detroit-area Jewish and civil rights leaders after uncovering a possible "hit list" written by an alleged white supremacist in Toledo, Ohio.

Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit Executive Director Scott Kaufman and Detroit NAACP President Wendell Anthony told WXYZ-TV feds notified them they were named on a list belonging to Richard Schmidt, a convicted felon and suspected white supremacist who was arrested last December.

Read more at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/26/richard-schmidt-detroit-hit-list_n_2765665.html?utm_hp_ref=detroit

With the current demand for work largely outweighing the need for workers, it's tough to find a job in Detroit.

If you're like most, surfing Monster and CareerBuilder tirelessly for prospective employers has run its course. Figuring out where to apply seems a hard enough task, not to mention getting an interview. But, it might not be as difficult as you think. Employing the right skills with a eye-catching resume and cover letter can help tremendously. In other cases, it's a strand of "good luck" that might be needed to give you that extra edge against the odds.

Does luck really exist when it comes to finding work? Whether or not, one thing is for sure. There are certain resources available in our area that will help you to land that job you’ve been looking for.

1. Detroit Recruiter
www.detroitrecruiter.com

This website offers job seekers not just a look at the national job board, but also local newspaper classifieds. Employees list jobs on the site and search the database of resumes. Candidates posts resume profiles at no charge, and can search and apply for jobs. Job searches can be filtered according to distance, anywhere from a five to 250 mile radius. Metro-Detroit recruiter websites can help you narrow down the search even further.

2. Lift Women's Resource Center
16180 Meyers Road
Detroit, MI 48235
(313) 345-9065
www.liftwrc.org

LIFT has been in operation since 1992 and provides services to women who are living in domestic abuse situations and homeless shelters as well as those undergoing drug and alcohol rehabilitation. The program helps women get on their own feet and take control of their lives for the betterment of not just themselves but also their families, their jobs and society in general. Members receive assistance in searching for jobs and building their resumes. Information on money management and decision-making skills is also provided. Regular weekly sessions on hygiene, avoiding relapse and personal responsibility offer women the support they need to stride through various stages of their journey to self-sufficiency.

3. Michigan Works!
Dearborn Service Center
6451 Schaefer Road, Second Floor
Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 945-8380
www.michiganworks.org

As the nation’s first unified workforce development system, it matches employers and job seekers according to each’s needs. Michigan Works! has over 100 service centers in the state that coordinate with individuals to help get them the jobs they want and need. Providing leads on current openings, centers help prospective applicants with completing resumes and cover letters. They also offer assessment of skills and career potential, and provide services related to occupational training and financial aid. Centers also hold helpful workshops throughout the year.

4. Operation ABLE of Michigan
4750 Woodward Ave., Suite 201
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 832-0922
www.operationable.org

Operation ABLE is a program that caters to middle-age and older workers. It provides assistance to those who are seeking employment and want to maintain their eligibility. Providing several workshops and seminars, the organization aims to help individuals develop skills needed to find a job. Operation ABLE holds an annual job fair giving its members a chance to connect with prospective employers. Among its most helpful resources include certification courses in computers and office administration. Services such as individual counseling, skills assessment and mock interviews are also provided. Fees are determined based on service type and the worker's current situation.

5. Pure Michigan Talent Connect
300 N. Washington Square
Lansing, MI 48913
(888) 522-0103
www.mitalent.org

The program that used to be the Michigan Talent Bank has upgraded not only its name but also its services. The full-service job board allows employment seekers to post their profiles, resumes, and search jobs according to detailed criteria. It provides additional services to those in specialized situations such as veterans and those who were part of mass layoffs. The website also supplies its users with useful information related to mentoring, entrepreneurship and navigating the state's unemployment system. Other services include personalized job searches by skill set, access to and development of existing skills, and a new tool to envision your career costs and timeline.

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Speaking to a cheerfully enthused crowd at the Samaritan Center, Mike Duggan announced on Tuesday, Feb. 26 that he will run for mayor of Detroit.

Promising to reduce crime and bring financial management to the city, Duggan cited several items on a prospective to-do list. They include fixing broken streetlights, and bringing more people into Detroit's vacant but habitable homes.

Duggan noted the strength of Detroiters based on what he has witnessed through meeting individuals around the city. He vowed to make a commitment to build the city up and not disregard any parts of its community. Duggan also responded to the possibility of an emergency financial manager, expressing that he would continue to make a case to Governor Rick Snyder that appointing someone to take over the city has no proven track record of success. If an emergency manager cannot solve the problems of smaller cities like Ecorse and Benton Harbor, how will it eliminate the challenges faced by the largest city in the state?

“I think you could get further working in partnership and by allowing the voters of Detroit to pick the next mayor in November," said Duggan.

Duggan's sentiment is one he shares with many throughout the city and local leaders alike. His official announcement comes just shortly after Detroit's branch of the NAACP held a press conference addressing its disapproval of the possibility of an emergency financial manager.

Will a general consensus on such a major issue be enough to earn voters in November?

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